ATP Receptor/Channels: Their Contribution to Calcium Regulation and Modulation by Neurotransmitters

A concept that extracellular ATP plays a role as a neurotransmitter is now widely accepted. ATP released from nerve terminals transmits both excitatory and inhibitory signals to postsynaptic neurons, muscle cells, and non-excitable cells. ATP-activated channels are effectors that convert the binding of ATP into the opening of ion channel pores in postsynaptic membrane.(omitted)